Handmade by Hilani

Pull-Apart Pizza Bread

2012-02-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

For our February Pinterest Girls Night In I decided to make a pull-apart pizza loaf. I've seen so many flying around the net, I just had to make one.

I enjoyed putting this together because it was super so easy and turned out very yummy. One thing I did learn was to add double the pizza/spaghetti sauce I originally used. I didn't want it to be too soggy.

Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Tidbits:

Preheat over to 375

Prep time: 8 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

An Everything flavored loaf Bread, those extra flavors sealed the deal

2 Cup bag of Italian Shredded cheese, 1 cup used

1 Garlic Clove, minced

2 Cups of Pizza/Spaghetti Sauce (this is the new measurement)

1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese

Step 1:

With a serrated Knife, cut slits lengthwise and vertical

Step 2:

Chop up your garlic cloves finely. I used my pampered chef handy, dandy chopper.

Step 3:

Add your Minced Garlic to the center of the cuts

Then, add the 2 cups of sauce all over and deep inside.

Step 4:

Sprinkle with both cheeses, as well as, push down inside.

Bake for 20 minutes and Voila...it turned out so good!!

Enjoy!

I heart Buttons....bracelet

2012-02-26T21:52:00.002-07:00

I attended over the weekend a 3rd annual Mardi Gras party with many of our neighborhood friends. It's always a great time with lots of joking, catching up, amazing craw fish and let's say, some drinking.

I realized, with the blessed busyness lately, I wasn't able to go out and shop for Mardi Gras accessory items so, I had to improvise. This holiday has as staple of three basic colors, Purple, Yellow and Green...what could I possible have, that would be quick to whip together...BUTTONS.

I headed to my office and began sifting through my many bags of buttons. I then decided to sew them, by hand, to a piece of yellow ribbon; another always-have-on-hand, ribbon.

Below are images of the project. Please use it to inspire you for just about any holiday or gathering. These could make great party favors for a little girls party too.

Supplies needed:

Ribbon, any width will do

Buttons

Thread

Needle

Fray Check

Scissors

I didn't take very many pictures of sewing on each button but here's the finished product.

Here's a backside view of the buttons sewn onto the ribbon.

I'm a big lover of Fray Check, I use it on a lot of things. I used it to clean up where I cut my ribbon.

Finished product.

The possibilities are endless...I think I'll be making one for Independence Day, once it gets closer.

Drink Responsibly...

2012-02-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

I've been very busy in the sewing studio the last 3 weeks. I'm happy to report lots of fun sewing is going on.

Before attending a family Super Bowl party, I whipped up this stylish Bottle Cozy.

Whether you partake in Mike's Hard Lemonade, a crisp, cold Corona with a freshly squeezed lime or water bottle you'll surely love having it decorated with fabric so pretty and fun.

Homemade Steak Fries

2012-01-31T12:47:00.002-07:00

Homemade Steak Fries

A big hit year around as a side dish for our family. Below is the recipe, with photos. Enjoy!

Preheat: 375

Step 1: Wash and scrub off 3 medium sized russet potatoes for 2 Adults

(add 1 potato more for each child.)

Step 2: Side Slice each potato like so.

Step 3: Then slice again each oval in half.

Step 4: You'll need these ingredients, or your families favorite.

I also like to add a bit of powdered Garlic (not photoed)

Step 5: Toss all spices and fries in a large bowl.

Step 6: I'm a fan of Pam when cooking or baking; Lightly coat a piece of foil.

Step 7: The Oven should be preheated by now so lay flat your seasoned potatoes and place in the oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Check for brown crisping on the outside to complete satisfaction.

Finished: The finished product is great! You can even ask teen age family members to do this fun side dish. The inside is a fluffy consistency and the outside is just the right crunchy.

Variations:

Add Bacon while cooking

Add Cheese

{Sweetheart Giveaway} - Feb. 1st

2012-01-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

I've just listed on my Facebook Page the next Giveaway. It's a fun Sweetheart Giveaway...it starts Feb. 1st and available Re-usable Drink Sleeves are limited.

Good Luck...

Pinterest {Girls Night In}

2012-01-27T14:03:00.001-07:00

Pinterest has, in the past month, grabbed so many new followers/subscribers

that I wasn't too surprised when I found out some close girlfriends

were enjoying this healthy addiction, daily like me.

After a month of countless hours spent searching and finding super awesome stuff all over the internet, now available in one place, my girlfriend Casey and I decided we needed to find the time, once a month, to come together for a Girls Night In. The main focus for our monthly get together's would be to pair a Pinterest Project with Wine and a Pinterest Recipe. The idea sounded heavenly so about 2 weeks later, last night, we had our first Girls Night In.

The Evening went a little something like this:

"OMG, How are you? I haven't seen you in what seems like forever, except for on Facebook." a sound of group laughter filled the air, because everyone can relate. "Me too, seems like the days rush by so much faster than I remember, why is that?"

followed by Adult/Mommy ADD...

"Ohhhhh, what did you bring? Hey, I saw that, did I pin it?"

I brought this, super easy to do.

Strawberry, Chocolate Nachos

In surround sound, after sampling, "Yum!"

Then, another friend brought this:

Antipasto Kabobs

With one more:

Pretzel Bites

All the food was de-lish, I'm so glad I didn't eat dinner. Sadly, it wasn't a balance meal, however, it was for a girls night in, sealed with a nice glass of red Pinot.

As for the projects, there was a sewing machine, which in fact was not mine,

a glue gun, corks, jewelry and paint...

I decided to redo an old frame with cork inside, (I think Pinterest justifies hoarding...haven't decided just yet), and have it hang on our Garage door so I can put notes or just

about anything else on it.

I'm sad to report, I don't have a before, but here's the Finished Product.

("Take more pictures next time", I wrote myself a note. )

After

Here are links to the Projects my girlfriends attempted:

Wine Cork Letter

DIY Braided Bead Bracelet (try and say that five times)

Valentine's Day Ribbon Wreath

Ringlet T-Shirt Scarf (up-cycle of old shirt)

Recycle of Old Curtains into new Couch Pillows

It was a super fun night, and I highly recommend those thinking to start their own Pinterest Girls Night In, go for it. It's a great way to remember busy schedules can stop to spend time being creative with those you enjoy.

For those looking to learn more about Pinterest,

The Happy Housewife has a great Article about it.

Cream Cheese, Brown Sugar, Caramel, and Toffee Bars...Oh My....

2012-01-22T10:09:00.002-07:00

A friend from years ago shared this recipe with me and since then I've used it frequently for gatherings and have shared it with others. It's gets rave reviews every time, as well as repeat invitations.

Below is a recipe for what I've named

The Apple Dip

Satisfies 10-12 Adults

Prep to Serve Time:

15 Minutes - the apple cutting takes the longest

Ingredients:

1 Bar of Cream Cheese, soften (1/3 fat ok)
1/2 of Light Brown Sugar

4 large Green Apples, sliced

1/4 or so of Creamy Caramel

4 Skor or Toffee Candy Bars

1 Pie Dish or a Serving Plate

Step 1:

Combine in a small bowl your Brown Sugar and Softened Cream Cheese

Step 2:

Smear Cream Cheese mixture into/onto your serving dish

Step 3:

Open your Caramel Tub (I try to use Low-Fat when available, makes me feel better)

Grab a large Dollop with your Spatula and begin to spear a layer of it onto the cream cheese mixture

It should look like this when finished.

Step 4:

Break open all candy bars and place into your processor. If a processor isn't available, in the past I've placed all broken candy pieces into a ziplock bag. I've then place the bag in between a dish town and used the flat side of a spoon to mash up the pieces finely.

After mixing it should, can, look like this; some finely chopped and some pieces still large.

Step 5:

Remove all large pieces and place to the side. Sprinkle finely chopped candy over top of dish to evenly cover the mixture below. Add remaining large pieces to the processor and mix again.

Step 6:

Wash and dry your apples and begin to cut them into wedges. You can use an apple cutter but I've found that it's the same amount of time. I like to cut them clean, meaning remove any core pieces from the apple.

Once you've finished cutting, place your apples into an air tight container and marinate them in 1/4 cup of lemon juice to preserve freshness and prevent browning. 7-up works as well.

When ready to serve, assemble apple wedges all the way around the brim of your dish.

Enjoy!!!

I linked this Recipe to:

http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/

http://romanceonadime.com/

Have cans of left over Pumpkin..now what?

2012-01-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

Panic Mode! That was me this past October. I bought 13 cans of canned pumpkin because last year, 2010, there was a shortage. I love making anything pumpkin, who doesn't. It's a double duty winner, makes the house smell great, and a small effort of mixing ingredients makes for great yummies (is that a word)!

I received, as a gift, years ago the Jessica Seinfeld Deceptively Delicious cookbook because my youngest wasn't a fan of veggies or fruits. I was grateful for the gift, seeing my friend knew I was struggling with 'mealtime'.

Now that he's older, he's more willing to try new foods, but man, it was touch and go there for a while. I dusted off the cookbook recently because I'm in search of having healthier snacks on hand. As a busy mom, I find I enjoy grabbing a quick snack to hold me over until I can have a meal. If I prepare something healthy ahead of time, I'm better off. I've only got "me" to look out for "me" during the day.

So, with plenty of canned pumpkin leftover, I decided to try her Donut recipe, with a twist. I'm not an owner of a donut baking mold so I created donut texture muffins instead. Plus, the recipe called for pureed sweet potato, which I did not have, so I substituted more pumpkin.

Below is the recipe:
Prep Tim - 8 Minutes
Bake Time - 20-25 Minutes
Cool Time - 10 minutes

Preheat Oven to: 350

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray

1/2 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup of sweet potato puree (I substituted pumpkin)

1/2 cup nonfat milk, lowfat or 1% buttermilk

1 large egg WHITE

1 tablespoon trans fat free soft tub margarine spread, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup all purpose flour or whole wheat

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cinnamon or pumpkin spice (I used cinnamon)

1/4 cup confectioners's sugar (I didn't have this on hand, so I used sprinkles)

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, pureed items, milk and egg white, margarine, and vanilla.

Mix in a separate bowl, flour, baking soda & powder, spice

Mix both together on low.

Pour batter into a gallon-sized plastic bag (or pastry bag if you have on) and cut the bottom tip off of one side of the bag. Squeeze the batter through, into the donut hold. **If using a muffing in,just pour an ice cream scoop worth into each greased section. Bake until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. 20-25 minutes.

When done, cool on a rack. When cool, dust with confectioners' sugar. I happen to have Valentine's Day sprinkles on hand.

Store in an airtight container at room temp. for up to 2 days and freeze for up to a 1 month.

Enjoy!

Hand on my Heart

2012-01-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a very compassionate person, and being sentimental means a lot to me; it makes my heart smile. I'm always excited to hear from people about the things they choose to hold onto because they remind them of something significant or it comes from a different time in their life. It's a chance to learn more about that person in a different light. Below, on this heart shaped door accent, is a "hand" button which holds sentimental value and an interesting story.

I've had this button for over 11 years.

I never knew when I'd need it but with Valentine's Day coming up,

I decided to put it to use. Over 12 years ago I held a job of which I tell people, outside of being a mom, was the best job I'll ever have! I was honored/blessed with the experience of holding a personal assistant position to a radio talk show personality, with a very large following, Dr. Laura Schelssinger, yes "the" Dr. Laura.

During my 2 year's with her, she embarked on the hobby of Beading. While shopping for exotic beads one weekend, this hand button stood out to me. So, seeing that buttons weren't apart of her current hobby, I decided to purchase the button myself.

And here, 11 years later, I've finally used it. (wink, some form of hoarding is ok)

I like it because it symbolizes your hand is on my heart. I've decided to hang it on the interior garage door that we frequent throughout the day. It's a great reminder to those passing through, you have my/our hand on your heart.

Remember those that have passed through, often, they've passed through for a reason.

PS: Due to a confidentiality agreement I signed, I'm not at liberty to speak about anything specific regarding her or my time with her but I can tell you...she's a wonderful women, that's misunderstood and does amazing things for people.

Giveaway, like no other...

2012-01-06T20:37:00.002-07:00

I know I'm not alone when it comes to being a Twilight Fan. There are so many of us out there, and the age range is extremely wide. I decided to share my love for the books with a Giveaway. Below is the current Giveaway I just posted to my Facebook page....come check it out.

There are two different kinds:

1 - Mrs. Cullen (top photo)

2. Twilight (bottom photo)

Have fun and good luck!

A project in the making....{Valentine's Day} Card Craft for Kids

2012-01-03T12:24:00.001-07:00

A Valentine's Day Card craft for kids 2.5 + years old

I've been doing this with my oldest son for 3 years now, and this will be the first year with my youngest. It's a great craft, inexpensive and fun learning project for Valentine's Day Cards.

Stay tuned...a Google Docs with the Star Card Cut outs to come soon.

Supplies Needed:

Red (Or any color you like) Glitter

Craft Glue

White Construction Paper

Printer

Scissors

Measuring Spoons

Craft Benefits:

Small Motor Skill - Scissor Cutting Practice

Concept - Portion Control

Science - Glue Hardening

Math - Counting

{2011}, a year full of great things...{2012}, a year where great things can happen

2011-12-27T21:52:00.001-07:00

So, Christmas is over...and the decorations are still up.

I'm giving myself until 1/2/2012 then all my decorations will start making their way into boxes until next year. This seems to always result in a minor panic attach because my home seems so bare afterwards. I feel so blessed because I have so many wonderful Christmas Decorations and, I also have a Christmas Ribbon addiction. It was a great holiday for me and my family. We couldn't all be together but shared our love through Facetime.

With Christmas gone, and the New Year right around the corner, I've started to compile my 2012 Goals, both personal and business.

Top 3 Personal

1. Stop having expectations (this one is gonna be tough).

2. Use fewer Paper Towels (I'm lazy about how many I use when a rag could be used instead).

3. Workout 4 days a week, no matter how short or long.

Top 3 Business

1. Invent 2 New useful products.

2. Add 1 more Wholesale Retailer to the list of stores selling Handmade by Hilani

3. Giveaway two Coupon Organizers to families that could really use one.

Up My Sleeve...Coming Soon

1. Kids, Valentine's Day Card DIY - glitter, construction paper, home printer and scissors.

I've been doing this one with my 6 1/2 year old since he was 3.

2. A great Football Party Dip - Cream Cheese, Brown Sugar, Caramel, and Crushed toffee bars. Green Apple slices dip into this sweet goodness!

3. Coupon Organizer Giveaway - I'll be pairing up with another blogger (details to come) and giving away one of my handy, dandy Coupon Organizers. Here's a story from a recent winner: Carmella, from Creative Carmella

Is on Vacation...

2011-12-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Now, I'm not really in this wonderful escape above, but I am in my own personal escape, the one of Christmas with family. I'll be taking from December 16 - 27th off from posting here on my blog.

You can visit the following areas for inspiration:

For Decorating Inspiration

For Holiday Party offering

Stay connected...

Merry Christmas from our Family to yours....

Thursday Thoughts....

2011-12-08T19:39:00.002-07:00

When people walk away from you, let them go. Your destiny is

never tied to anyone who leaves you. - Marilyn Monroe

Coupon Organizers, iPad Covers, and wallet's Oh My...

2011-12-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Is stitching along on my Custom Orders to-do list. The satisfaction of completing something is very rewarding.

Sale, Sale, Sale....15% off current inventory items

2011-12-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm having a sale on some inventory items I currently have in stock. Everything is 15% off.

You can view them here, on my Facebook page

Happy Shopping!

Hanging Ornament Ball {Centerpiece}

2011-12-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

I'm giving my girlfriend Casey total credit for this project. It was too cute to keep to ourselves ~

Hung by Silver Thread from her Chandelier

Roughly 35 Balls were used

Start in the Center and work out

Great Conversation piece.

2011-12-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Something I often remind myself....

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2011-11-27T21:18:00.003-07:00

With Thanksgiving behind us, my inner child is surfacing very quickly as I spread Holiday Cheer throughout our home...

Below are pictures I've taken to capture the spirit of Christmas in our home. I hope a few of them inspire you, when you decorate your personal space this holiday season.

Our home builder thought it would be creative to make the front door larger than the standard size. This made it hard to find an over-the-door wreath hook that was long enough to display my wreath in just the right spot. I decided to take matter in my own hands and use ribbon (one of my many addictions) to hang it as low as I'd like.

As people come and go throughout our home this time of year, I thought it would be neat to display our received Christmas cards on the back of our front door.

When you enter our home, this wreath hangs above a black, distressed bench. A bench where jackets and shoes are gathered. I liked the idea, because of it's location, to incorporate a hint of the outdoors with this lantern and then fill it with small, red Christmas ball ornaments.

Our advent calendar are stockings which trail up the staircase starting with number 1 at the bottom. Each night a little something is left for the boys to enjoy.

I'm a sucker for anything that makes my boys go "Oh, Ah..." so when I noticed a great place in my dining room to creatively display a Snow Village, I jumped on eBay and started shopping. This is a Department 56 "The Original Show Village" collection.

I have a thing for vintage books and snowman. I like to put them just about anywhere possible. These pieces are displayed on our living room cabinet.

Love is....spoken here

Also in our living room, is our Fake Christmas Tree. Sadly, in Colorado, due to it's dry climate, a real tree put up this early would probably not survive. The tree has red, satin bows, small, gold balls, rustic snowman, and many picture frame ornaments. I underestimated the amount of reminiscing that would come when setting up the tree...sigh...

(This is my littlest peanut enjoying the tree)

One of my favorite pieces, a Snowman Cookie Jar I got from Pottery Barn 6 years ago reduced from $65.00 down to $15...score! :)

Lastly, a sign I enjoy seeing everyday...

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Peppermint Bark - {So Easy}

2011-11-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

I decided to try something new this year for my 'offering' at holiday happy hours. I searched Peppermint Bark into Google and of course, Paula Dean's recipe generated first in the results. I can't believe I haven't made these before because it was very easy!

Below is her recipe with variations

Total time from start to finish: 40 Minutes - 10 prep, 30 minutes freeze

Ingredients:

1 cup of Crushed Peppermint Candies - I used Candy Canes (7)

Peppermint Extract - 1tsp

6 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips (a staple I always have on hand)

1 small to medium Cookie Sheet

Parchment Paper, enough to cover your cookie sheet

Preparation:

Melt either in Microwave or Double Broiler style your Chocolate

Add Peppermint Extract - Stir until well mixed

I added 1/2 of the Crusted Candy Canes at this point - Stir again

Line Your cookie sheet with the paper

Pour out your chocolate mixture onto the paper

Try to spread evenly

Once spreading is done, sprinkle remaining candy on top

Place in Freezer for 30 minutes.

Assemble:

Chose a serving dish

Remove Bark from Freezer

Break into irregular pieces

Enjoy, and happy holiday-ing!

Hi....

2011-11-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

My Name is Hilani and I'm addicted to Christmas Ribbon.

{Jingle Bells} - Door Accent Tutorial

2011-11-20T17:09:00.002-07:00

I just love the sound of Bells during Christmas. I have them on frequently used doors throughout our home.

I've been holding onto a great find from the $1 ribbon bin at Michael's, until I have just the right project for it. This "Merry Christmas" ribbon,

which was right up my alley due to it's price and vintage appearance was a great find.

I was browsing the isles, at our local Hobby Lobby, when an idea called out at me. A canister of vintage/rustic bells called my name from a 50% off shelf. I decided, that moment, I was going to create a Door Bell accent with them and the ribbon. I excitedly dropped them into my cart, and while hearing their distinct Christmas jingle, my creative wheels started spinning..."What exactly should this craft look like when I'm done?"

I remembered, while driving home, that a week prior I threw in my cart a bag of wooden Stars from the clearance section at Michael's. That too was a great find because the

set of 4 stars were only $0.47.

Below is a tutorial on making this Jingle Bell Door Accent.

Project Time:
45 minutes - 1 hour (Ideal for naptime)

Supplies Needed

Purchased Items:

Ribbon $1.00

Bells $4.99 (mine were 50% off)

Wooden Star ($0.47 clearance)

Scrap Fabric - Two contrasting colors or One (FREE)

On Hand Supplies:

Craft Glue

Close Pin

Pencil

Rag (for sticky fingers)

Damp Paper towel

Step 1:

Trace on wrong side of fabric for Front fabric choice, if using two different prints.

Step 2:

Free Hand an additional trace line about 1/2 an inch larger, for cutting, around the actual star size.

Step 3:

If using a second fabric, trace on right side of fabric the star.

Otherwise, trace a second star on your first fabric making two star cut-outs. One larger and one exact.

Step 4:

Get Glue and Star ready for gluing.

Place wooden star on wrong side of Fabric and cut slits into into corners of fabric for easy folding over.

Step 5:

Apply Glue to wood and begin folding over fabric.

Step 6:

When corners fold over, cut off excess fabric. To adhere the corners from lifting,

smooth over extra glue with your finger.

Step 7:

When finished this is how the right side should look. Turn over with wooden Star exposed upwards, and apply your second fabric star on top.

Step 8:

Grab your bells and ribbon. Cut Ribbon 30" long, or more, you can always shorten your tails. Be safe, cut longer. :0)

Step 9:

Find the middle point of your ribbon. Apply glue to the center of the star on the fabric.

Wrap your ribbon around the star. Place glue at the top of the star, between the two ribbons, to merry them. Hold them together with a cloths pin.

Step 10:

Count out 11 - 12 bells and begin to thread them on the ribbon.

Thread 1 bell on each strand and the third bell onto both strands. Continue to thread until you've used all bells.

Step 11:

Find a door to hang them from for ultimate drying of glue (while cloths pin still attached).

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and it inspires you to make one to fill your home with sounds of Christmas!

Is working on a Fun Christmas Tutorial...

2011-11-18T14:42:00.001-07:00

for a Christmas themed {Jingle Bells Door Knob} Display.

It will have Vintage/Rustic bells, a Wooden Star, Fabric and a classic Christmas Ribbon.

It's an Under $10 dollar DIY.

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-11-17T13:32:00.001-07:00

Today's Thought:

Organize Much?

2011-11-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of organization, I think it keeps the mind clear for more creative uses. I clipped a $1.00 off coupon for the 3M Command stick'em hooks and decided to give it a try.
I was immediately hooked!

Below are images of how I use my hooks. I'm constantly thinking of ways to add more around the house.

A hall closet has two on the inside of the door.

Holding a bag full of diaper items (here on the main level) and

my sons Home Depot apron (1st Saturday of every month, crafts for FREE).

He can now get his apron on his own, one less thing for me to do.

Three hooks in our front closet hold my purse, my sons backpack and a wall hook for a diaper bag.

In the kitchen, sink cabinet, one for my dish towel.

If you see the coupons, clip them and give them a try!

It's kind of like a wedding...a Craft Fair that is

2011-11-14T14:12:00.004-07:00

So many weeks went into the preparation,
but we'll flashback to 2 weeks away...

It's another late night after the family has gone to bed, that
I decided it's time to lay out all of my finished items and review what I've sewn so far.

While I begin to lay everything out on the hardwood floors of my sewing studio I ask myself, "Let's see, do I have enough merchandise and are the fabrics I've picked going to appeal to the many customers I plan to meet?" It occurred to me, very quickly, that I was about to have a long conversation with myself before I came to ask the final question,
"Is it safe to say, I'm good-to-go?"

There were a series of questions ringing, several times over, in my head I finally shut off the voices, found the confidence, and believed I indeed had the right amount of items,
and all looked great.

1 week away...

While rolling my eyes at myself, "Man, how many lists am I gonna make to cross check, and double check, so that I don't forgot anything?" I came to discover, at least 6.

In the process of making myself crazy, I discovered I was also making my (wonderful) husband crazy. Which I'll add, he too asked many questions, good ones I'll give him that, but the over thinking was surely in overdrive.

Craft Fair Day...1:30 am

In a stricken panic, when I opened my eyes, "OMGosh, what time is it?" I thought . Which then followed with, "Seriously, 1:30a?! Super, now I'm doomed to battle it out with any thoughts that surface which will surely be mental check lists because now I'm up..." :)

Let's just say a quick review occured but I quickly went back to sleep because I knew a long, exciting day was ahead... kind of like a wedding, I came to learn.

So much preparation occurs prior to attending, and selling, at a craft fair, much like so much work goes into a wedding. Both sharing a common thread, they are (usually) one day.

7:00am - Roll out of the Drive Way and head to the Craft Fair
7:20am - Begin unloading and setting up
9:00am - Craft Fair of almost 100 vendors opens its doors
9:30am - The crowds begin to fill the isles as wonderful
Christmas music fills the air (My favorite)
10:00am - My Helper arrives, my mother-in-law, just in time because the booth is filling with customers talking excitedly about the uniqueness of the products I created.
11:00am - Where did the last hour go?
12:00pm - Just realized I'm starving but sitting down isn't an option there's tons of people and custom ordering is my favorite part about what I do.
1:00pm - 3:00pm - So many people coming and going today's turning out to be a huge success for this small business operated by a Stay-at-Home Mom.
4pm - My goodness, what a day. I was in flats but it surely felt like I was in heels, my feet were begging for a break. Unlike a wedding, where the bride dances the night away barefoot, I didn't have that option. The whole day was non-stop; I feel so blessed. The hubby shows up for tear-down and the days finished. So many weeks of preparation that I can't believe it's over...a day well worth all the time invested...
much like a wedding.

A picture of me and the hubby in his Dad's Classic Convertible 11 years ago on our wedding day.

I look forward to my next craft fair, whenever that may be, and sharing the products I sew for all to enjoy.

Funny Friday

2011-11-11T13:47:00.003-07:00

Today's Funny Friday Post

It will sure get you Laughing Out Loud

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-11-10T12:53:00.001-07:00

I think it's important to think about the things that are important to one another and to also find areas to lift each other up, during any time of distress, both big or small.

I decided to offer every Thursday something that's uplifting and thoughtful.

Today's is:

Today's Creative Outburst

2011-11-08T14:23:00.005-07:00

I decided to try and sew fabric onto blank white cards today. What a fun, new way to make handmade cards. The cost of cards these days motivates me to be more creative for a smaller price. This will surely be apart of my new creative choices. Super great way to use up scrap fabric...which I have plenty of...

Tonights Easy Chicken {Crock Pot Dinner}

2011-11-07T21:42:00.002-07:00

I find that when this time of year comes,

I become one with the Crock Pot!

Today I whipped up a really delicious (or at least to me and the family it was) chicken meal that cooked all-day and had minimal prep.

Gobble it up Chicken, with mash on the side

Feeds Family of 4-6

{Ingredients}

1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup (Low Sodium is good)

1 1/2 (soup) cans of Your choice of Milk (2% or Whole)

1 Tablespoon of Garlic Salt

2 Teaspoons of Dill

2 Frozen Chicken Breasts

2 Cups of Frozen Broccoli (needed at last hour)

1 Cup of Mexican Flavored Cheese

(portioned 1/2 cups, needed at last hour)

{Directions}

Mix together in large bowl first 4 ingredients

Place Frozen chicken In Crock Pot

(more moist when cooked this way)

Cook for 8 hours on Low

{1 Hour before serving}

Add Broccoli

Add 1/2 cup of cheese, then stir

Sprinkle final layer of Cheese on top, avoid stirring

Prepare Side Mash Potatoes (Instant are super handy)

And then

Serve...salt and pepper if needed.

PS: The house smelled so great today.

Best Rolled Sugar Cookies (EVER!)

2011-11-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Around this time of year, I round up my baking supplies and grab my oldest son to make this awesome rolled cookie dough recipe. It lasts a while, because I freeze unused dough, which is great for on the fly baking.

The key is to make sure you keep the rolled dough thick!

They are a sure fire hit when shared.

Tips: We've packaged up cookies, not yet decorated, and gifted them to friends as a small token of our friendship.

Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

Step it Up Brownies - top layer of crushed peanuts

2011-11-05T16:33:00.003-06:00

A variation to regular brownies, perfect for any party...

Brownie Batter before going in the oven gets a crushed peanuts top layer.

Thankful Leaves Printable

2011-11-04T07:11:00.003-06:00

Another great indoor craft for both Adult and Child.

This printable gives those participating a chance to start thinking about, and share threw words, what they are thankful for.

Instructions:

1. Print out the Leaf Printable on colored card stock or construction paper

2. Cut out each leaf

3. Label each one with words that best describe what you are thankful for.

4. Find a central location, even a street facing window, where you can

tape up your leaves for all to see.

I love to hear others ideas, so please, comment below

Thanksgiving {Indoor} Scavenger Hunt Printable

2011-11-03T07:11:00.004-06:00

I hosted a play date a while back for an entire day. While entertaining I organized Play-Doh, Coloring holiday specific pictures, painting of pumpkins and a scavenger hunt similar to this one. I asked the two boys to search the main level of our home for the pictured items. They had so much fun counting and hunting out, as you can image boys would.

So, I decided to recreate it for Thanksgiving and share with you all. I'll create a Christmas/Hanukkah one as well.

Thanksgiving Hunt Printable

{Hunt Specifics}

Great for ages 3 - 9 years old

Great for siblings

Great math lesson

(For my 1st grader it helped him practice using tally marks)

Fun time filler for play dates

Enjoy!

Got the Indoor Blues? {Scavenger Hunt Printable}

2011-11-02T11:54:00.001-06:00

Stuck inside, looking for something to do...

I'm currently working on a Scavenger Hunt printable for indoors to help alleviate "I'm Bored".

My personal Heaven...

2011-10-28T14:09:00.002-06:00

I'm making Chocolate Covered Pretzels for a halloween happy hour tonight. I'm having trouble controlling myself. :0)

Pumpkin Rock Family Craft

2011-10-26T20:04:00.000-06:00

Pumpkin Family Craft using Rocks

I created this craft when our oldest was 3 years old. Once his younger brother arrived, he created another rock to complete our family of four.

It was a great rainy day project that gave us something fun to do together.

I Used:

Rocks from our yard

Crafter's Paint in Orange

Brown Construction paper for the Stems with craft glue to hold

A Black Sharpie for the faces, which I drew.

Get Creative:

Make a brown rock for a family pet

Choose Gray Construction Paper for stems to represent Grand family members

Paint Favorite sports teams

Guilt Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies - High Fiber & Protein

2011-10-25T22:11:00.003-06:00

Guilt-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies {High Fiber & Protein}

Preheat Oven to:

350 degrees

Ingredients:

1 Stick of Butter (1/2 cup)

1 cup of Brown Sugar

1/2 cup of White Sugar

1 cup of Pureed Pumpkin

2 eggs, room temp

1 teaspoon of Vanilla (I pour heavy)

2 cups of Whole Wheat Flour

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of Nutmeg

2-3 cups of Quick Oats

Preparation:

Mix together dry ingredients (minus oats)

Beat Butter, sugars until creamy

Add Pumpkin, eggs and vanilla (scrap sides)

Add dry mixture to wet

Add Oats 1 cup at a time, should appear very sticky

Bake for 10-14 minutes. Top of cookies should be hard to the touch but soft when pressed.

Close all the windows before baking these because you want to preserve the wonderful smell!

Enjoy!!!

Nutritional Facts: When Whole Wheat Flour and Oats are used, you gain extra Protein and Fiber that's not found in white flour alone. In one cookie, I've calculated, that you get at least 4 grams of Protein, if not 5, and 4 grams of Fiber. :)

My Pumpkin....Stitched Boo

2011-10-24T18:04:00.003-06:00

I just LOVE Fall and all that comes with it. I look forward to this time of year because I get excited to have another place for creative outbursts, the porch. Because I heart sewing (a lot), I decided to paint what appears to be a stitched pattern of the word B O O on one of the many pumpkins we have out front; it was a perfect fit to my personality. I also covered the stem with black paint, and the finishing touch was an Orange ribbon with white polka dots.

In the past I've decorated a White Pumpkin with our last initial in a calligraphy script; that's always a winner. And, if it's your first Halloween as a new couple, decor with paint this:

Mr. & Mrs.

Why a Blog....

2011-10-19T15:05:00.004-06:00

it seemed only fitting to have a place for me to organize, and share, my creativity outbursts.